You are Essential!Demand Health Coverage That Meets Your Needs

Healthcare reform may seem like old news, but for the PH community things are just getting started.

What's up?The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is currently working to define “essential health benefits.” Once they’re defined, essential health benefits will set the minimum requirements for affordable health insurance plans offered to individuals and businesses as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

This is good for the PH community, so what’s the problem?HHS recently issued a bulletin that outlines how it will define the “essential health benefits” package. While the bulletin includes many proposals that will help the PH community, it does not offer enough protection for people with chronic diseases. It lacks national oversight in defining what is essential, leaving it to the states. Furthermore, HHS wants to allow health plans to offer only one brand of prescription medication per class. For PHers using the new health insurance option, this may limit access to the unique combination of drugs they need.

How can I make a difference?Read and sign an online petition, created by The AIDS Institute and National Alliance on Mental Illness, which will be submitted directly to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. PHA has signed on, and, if we get enough signatures, we can make a difference before it’s too late. Your actions now can make a difference, for you and others, when the essential health benefits become effective in 2014.

The information provided on the PHA website is provided for general information only. It is not intended as legal, medical or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified professionals who are familiar with your individual needs.